Diverse City

02/06/2026

To mark 20 years of Diverse City, we’re handing the mic to the people who’ve helped shape us.

“If people’s stories are told, if people have an opportunity to listen to other people in a creative space where there is no judgment, then I think the world would be a better place.”

In this edition of our anniversary series, Jacqui Beckford reflects on the power of inclusion, representation, and making space for every voice to be heard.

Because we’re never just one thing. Our stories intersect, connect, and help us imagine a more inclusive world—and more inclusive theatre.

01/06/2026

‘All it takes is being imaginative enough to think of it and then bold enough to do it’

01/06/2026

To mark 20 years of Diverse City, we’re handing the mic to the people who’ve helped shape us.

First up: the extraordinary Nandi Bhebhe. Actress. Choreographer. Original cast of Mid Life. Nandi shares her two cents with us — and she’s pretty clear: accessible, inclusive creation isn’t just possible — it’s where the best work comes from.

If someone tells you it can’t be done? Imagine it anyway. Then be bold enough to make it real.

20 voices. 20 years. Let’s go. ✨

28/05/2026

Day 2 ✨ The studio sessions were in full swing and we introduced our young artists to the script of The Other Life I Lead 🎶🎭

The Other Life I Lead is a bold new piece of q***r, disabled-led gig-theatre — part live gig, part confession, part coming-of-age howl. Set in a small seaside town, it follows a group of young people deciding whether to stay or step into something bigger, told through original music, punk-rock energy and poetic storytelling.

These emerging performers aged 18–30 are taking part in Diverse City’s free professional development residency — building real skills, real connections and real careers in the arts. Watch this space. 👀

Funded by

27/05/2026

Join us for Day 1 of our Performer Development Programme at

We met our 2026 cohort and got stuck in creating music for three days with the wonderful and

Huge thank you to for making this work possible.

Stay tuned for day 2!

20/05/2026

Join for Dance Yourself Dizzy, as part of the Mowlem Bug Weekend!

Step into the Studio and dance in a fun, relaxed and welcoming space. Take part with a brilliant group of people — all ages and abilities are welcome. Learn a routine, brush up your freestyle, or simply enjoy moving to the music and letting go. No experience needed — just come as you are.

Led by Diverse City, a performing arts company where social justice and culture meet, this session celebrates inclusion and the joy of moving together. This workshop supports ages 16+ and additional physical needs.

Booking essential due to limited capacity.

Saturday 30 May, 6-7pm | Suggested donation £5 (inc. booking fee)

19/05/2026

We are very excited to announce that will be hosting not 1 but 2 workshops at the Mowlem Big Weekend at the end of this month!

Discover the power of your own story in this creative, confidence‑boosting theatre workshop led by the brilliant team from Diverse City.

Explore how your experiences can be brought to the stage through simple writing exercises, improvisation and shared ideas. You’ll get a feel for how theatre grows from real stories — including your own — in a relaxed, supportive space.

No acting experience needed. Just curiosity and a willingness to have a go. Perfect for anyone aged 16+ who wants to build confidence, try something new or explore theatre in a welcoming environment. Expect laughter, connection and the joy of creating something uniquely yours.

Wear comfy clothes and bring a water bottle. All materials provided.
This session supports additional SEN and adjustments for physical needs.

Booking essential due to limited capacity.

To book on head to the link in bio!
Saturday 30 May, 4-5:30pm | Suggested donation £5 (inc. booking fee)

11/05/2026

08/05/2026

We're delighted to announce our 2026 Cohort of Diverse City's Performer Development Programme.

Introducing:
Erin James, Freya Boardman, Heidi Rose, Jess Skelton, Kira Proctor, Lyle Sauer and Sam Jamil.

Over the course of this 4-part programme, these 7 multi-talented young artists will learn, rehearse and perform a brand new show called ‘The Other Life I Lead’ written and directed by Eilís Davis, with Musical Direction by Harry Basett and Lyrics by Erin Enfys.

We can't wait to kick off this May with music rehearsals at the MAC in Birmingham.

Huge thanks to for making this work possible.

11/12/2025

“That’s what access is... access makes the work possible for everyone”

As the end of the year approaches, we’re taking time to reflect on what makes Diverse City our community.

Every artist we’ve worked with has left their mark on us. Each memory, each collaboration, and each shared moment is part of what makes Diverse City truly feel like a city.

We caught up with Nandi Bhebhe recently and she shared with us what stood out to her, working with Diverse City.

Access sits at the heart of everything we do — As Nandi says we work flexibly, adapting to our artists needs so we can include them in the space.

That’s what makes our work so rich: the most powerful stories are told when diverse voices are heard.

Keep watching… next year is a big one!